Isaiah 14:29
Isaiah 14:29 in Multiple Translations
Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken. For a viper will spring from the root of the snake, and a flying serpent from its egg.
¶ Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.
Rejoice not, O Philistia, all of thee, because the rod that smote thee is broken; for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth an adder, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.
Be not glad, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod which was on you is broken: for out of the snake's root will come a poison-snake, and its fruit will be a winged poison-snake.
All you Philistines, don't celebrate the fact that the rod that was hitting you is broken, because from the root of that snake will grow up a viper, its fruit will be a flying serpent.
Reioyce not, (thou whole Palestina) because the rod of him that did beat thee, is broken for out of the serpents roote shall come forth a cockatrise, and the fruit therof shalbe a firy flying serpent.
Rejoice not thou, Philistia, all of thee, That broken hath been the rod of thy smiter, For from the root of a serpent cometh out a viper, And its fruit [is] a flying saraph.
Don’t rejoice, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod that struck you is broken; for out of the serpent’s root an adder will emerge, and his fruit will be a fiery flying serpent.
Rejoice not thou, all Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a basilisk, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.
Rejoice not thou, whole Philistia, that the rod of him that struck thee is broken in pieces: for out of the root of the serpent shall come forth a basilisk, and his seed shall swallow the bird.
You people of Philistia, do not rejoice that the enemy army [MET] that attacked you has been defeated and that their king is dead. He was as dangerous as [MET] a snake, but there will be another king, who will be more dangerous than a cobra; he will be like [MET] a quick-moving poisonous snake.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 14:29
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Word Study
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Isaiah 14:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַֽל
תִּשְׂמְחִ֤י
פְלֶ֨שֶׁת֙
כֻּלֵּ֔/ךְ
כִּ֥י
נִשְׁבַּ֖ר
שֵׁ֣בֶט
מַכֵּ֑/ךְ
כִּֽי
מִ/שֹּׁ֤רֶשׁ
נָחָשׁ֙
יֵ֣צֵא
צֶ֔פַע
וּ/פִרְי֖/וֹ
שָׂרָ֥ף
מְעוֹפֵֽף
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּשְׂמְחִ֤י
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Qal-Juss-2fs
פְלֶ֨שֶׁת֙
Pᵉlesheth
H6429
Philistia
N-proper
כֻּלֵּ֔/ךְ
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִשְׁבַּ֖ר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
שֵׁ֣בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-ms
מַכֵּ֑/ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִ/שֹּׁ֤רֶשׁ
sheresh
H8328
root
Prep | N-ms
נָחָשׁ֙
nâchâsh
H5175
serpent
N-ms
יֵ֣צֵא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
צֶ֔פַע
tsephaʻ
H6848
serpent
N-ms
וּ/פִרְי֖/וֹ
pᵉrîy
H6529
fruit
Conj | N-ms | Suff
שָׂרָ֥ף
sârâph
H8314
serpent
N-ms
מְעוֹפֵֽף
ʻûwph
H5774
to fly
V-o
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 14:29
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּשְׂמְחִ֤י
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Juss-2fs
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
פְלֶ֨שֶׁת֙
Pᵉlesheth
H6429
"Philistia"
N-proper
Philistia refers to a region in ancient Syria, also known as the land of the Philistines, where the Philistines lived. The name means land of sojourners, a place where people settled temporarily. This area is now part of Palestine.
Definition: Philistia = "land of sojourners" the general territory on the west coast of Canaan or the entire country of Palestine Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "Philistine" H6430G)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Palestina, Palestine, Philistia, Philistines. See also: Exodus 15:14; Psalms 108:10; Psalms 60:10.
כֻּלֵּ֔/ךְ
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נִשְׁבַּ֖ר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
שֵׁ֣בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
מַכֵּ֑/ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מִ/שֹּׁ֤רֶשׁ
sheresh
H8328
"root"
Prep | N-ms
A root is the underground part of a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean a source or foundation, like in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) root 1a) root (literal) 1b) root (of people involving firmness or permanence) (fig) 1c) root, bottom (as lowest stratum) (fig) Aramaic equivalent: sho.resh (שֹׁ֫רֶשׁ "root" H8330)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bottom, deep, heel, root. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Isaiah 11:1; Psalms 80:10.
נָחָשׁ֙
nâchâsh
H5175
"serpent"
N-ms
A serpent is a snake, often symbolizing evil, as in Genesis 3:1 where the serpent tempts Eve. It can also represent danger or harm.
Definition: 1) serpent, snake 1a) serpent 1b) image (of serpent) 1c) fleeing serpent (mythological)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: serpent. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 58:5; Psalms 140:4.
יֵ֣צֵא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
צֶ֔פַע
tsephaʻ
H6848
"serpent"
N-ms
This word refers to a poisonous serpent, like a viper, that hisses by thrusting out its tongue. In the Bible, it is often translated as adder or cockatrice, symbolizing danger and evil.
Definition: 1) poisonous serpent 1a) a viper snake or adder
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: adder, cockatrice. See also: Proverbs 23:32; Isaiah 14:29; Isaiah 11:8.
וּ/פִרְי֖/וֹ
pᵉrîy
H6529
"fruit"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means the fruit that comes from the ground or from our actions. It is used in many books, including Genesis and Isaiah, to describe the results of our labor or the consequences of our choices.
Definition: 1) fruit 1a) fruit, produce (of the ground) 1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) 1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward. See also: Genesis 1:11; Proverbs 18:20; Psalms 1:3.
שָׂרָ֥ף
sârâph
H8314
"serpent"
N-ms
A seraph is a majestic being that appears in the Bible, with six wings and a powerful presence, like in Isaiah 6:1-3. The word means burning or fiery, and seraphs are often associated with God's throne and worship. They are symbolic creatures that represent God's power and glory.
Definition: 1) serpent, fiery serpent 1a) poisonous serpent (fiery from burning effect of poison)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: fiery (serpent), seraph. See also: Numbers 21:6; Isaiah 6:2; Isaiah 6:6.
מְעוֹפֵֽף
ʻûwph
H5774
"to fly"
V-o
This word can mean flying or fainting, often due to darkness or gloom. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, describing dramatic scenes.
Definition: v 1) to fly, fly about, fly away 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to fly, hover 1a2) to fly away 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to fly, light upon 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to fly about or to and fro 1c2) to cause to fly to and fro, brandish 1d) (Hithpolel) to fly away 2) (Qal) to cover, be dark
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: brandish, be (wax) faint, flee away, fly (away), [idiom] set, shine forth, weary. See also: Genesis 1:20; Proverbs 23:5; Psalms 18:11.
Study Notes — Isaiah 14:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 14:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:29
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:29
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:29
- Sermons on Isaiah 14:29
Context — Philistia Will Be Destroyed
27The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?
28In the year that King Ahaz died, this burden was received:
29Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken. For a viper will spring from the root of the snake, and a flying serpent from its egg.
30Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain. 31Wail, O gate! Cry out, O city! Melt away, all you Philistines! For a cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there are no stragglers in its ranks.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 30:6 | This is the burden against the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lioness and lion, of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people of no profit to them. |
| 2 | Isaiah 11:8 | The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 26:6 | Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 35:15 | As you rejoiced when the inheritance of the house of Israel became desolate, so will I do to you. You will become a desolation, O Mount Seir, and so will all of Edom. Then they will know that I am the LORD. |
| 5 | Hosea 9:1 | Do not rejoice, O Israel, with exultation like the nations, for you have played the harlot against your God; you have made love for hire on every threshing floor. |
| 6 | Joshua 13:3 | from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; |
| 7 | Obadiah 1:12 | But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 26:2 | “Son of man, because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gate to the nations is broken; it has swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will be filled,’ |
| 9 | 2 Kings 18:8 | He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city. |
| 10 | Zephaniah 3:11 | On that day you will not be put to shame for any of the deeds by which you have transgressed against Me. For then I will remove from among you those who rejoice in their pride, and you will never again be haughty on My holy mountain. |
Isaiah 14:29 Summary
[Isaiah 14:29 is a warning to the Philistines not to rejoice over the defeat of their enemies, because a new and greater threat is on the horizon. This verse reminds us that true security and peace come not from the absence of threats, but from trusting in God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Psalm 23:4, where David says, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.' It's a call to look beyond temporary victories and to trust in God's ongoing protection and care, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says, 'For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rod that struck the Philistines in Isaiah 14:29?
The rod that struck the Philistines refers to the power of God's judgment, as seen in other scriptures like Exodus 4:2-4, where God uses Moses' rod to demonstrate His power over Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
Why are the Philistines told not to rejoice in Isaiah 14:29?
The Philistines are told not to rejoice because even though the current threat against them may have been removed, a new and potentially greater threat is emerging, much like the warning in Jeremiah 31:20, where God speaks of a new covenant that will bring both judgment and restoration.
What does the image of a viper springing from the root of a snake mean in this context?
This image suggests that even if one evil or destructive force is defeated, another can arise in its place, as seen in the parable of the unclean spirit in Matthew 12:43-45, where Jesus warns that an empty heart can be filled with seven more evil spirits if not filled with the Holy Spirit.
How does this verse fit into the broader message of Isaiah?
Isaiah 14:29 fits into the prophet's overall theme of warning nations of God's judgment and calling His people to faithfulness, as seen in Isaiah 2:10-22, where the prophet calls the people to turn away from idols and trust in the living God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I might be rejoicing over a temporary victory, only to face a new challenge or threat?
- How can I apply the warning in Isaiah 14:29 to my own life, recognizing that true security comes not from the absence of threats but from trust in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways can I be like the Philistines, rejoicing over the wrong things and missing the bigger picture of God's plan?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of evil and the importance of ongoing vigilance and trust in God's protection?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 14:29
Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina,.... The land of the Philistines; the inhabitants of Palestine are meant, who rejoiced at the death of Uzziah, who was too powerful for them, and during the reign of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 14:29
Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 14:29
Of him that smote thee: most understand this of Uzziah, who did them much mischief, ; but he was dead thirty-two years before this time, and therefore their joy for his death was long since past. Others understand it of Ahaz; but he was so far from smiting them, that he was smitten by them, as was noted on . It seems better to understand it more generally of the royal race or foregoing kings of Judah, who had been a terrible scourge to them, whose rod might be said to be broken, because that sceptre was come into the hands of slothful and degenerate princes, such as Ahaz was, who had been lately broken by the Philistines, and who probably was alive when this prophecy was delivered, because he here speaks of Hezekiah not as a present, but as a future king. It is said indeed that this burden was in the year that Ahaz died; but so it might be, though it was before his death. His fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent; from the root and race of David shall come Hezekiah, who, like a serpent, shall sting thee to death, as he did, .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 14:29
Isaiah 14:29 Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent’ s root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.Ver. 29. Rejoice not thou, whole Palestine.] That is, the Philistines, quos Iudaei animis armisque sibi infestissimos habuere. These were as bad neighbours to the Jews as the Dunkirkers now are to us. Uzziah had subdued them, but Ahaz had been much damnified and despoiled by them, and in the beginning of Hezekiah’ s reign they thought to have overrun all the country. Here therefore God’ s decree concerning them is published, for the comfort of his poor people, and it is this: Philistaeis non iabilandum sed eiulandum. Philistines must not be overjoyed, but rather "weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon them." Because the rod of him that smote thee is broken.] Because Uzziah is dead, and Ahaz hath had ill success against you through his own sinfulness and sluggishness; do not you thereupon take boldness to set up your crest, and think all is your own. For out of the serpent’ s root.] Out of Uzziah’ s issue, Shall come forth a cockatrice.] Or, Basilisk, which is said to kill with his looks only; and hereby is meant Hezekiah, as also by the "fiery flying serpent," for thus he is called both for his fierceness and for his swiftness, two very commendable properties of a commander. Julius Caesar was in omnia praeceps, in all head first, very fierce, and with it notably nimble, witness his Veni, vidi, vici, I no sooner came, but overcame. The Hebrews from this text have a proverb, "Out of the serpent’ s root shall come forth a cockatrice," i.e., one woe is passed, but behold a worse at hand. De radice colubri egredietur regulus, i.e., Afflictissimi, inter pauperes praecipui ac primi, atque adeo tolerandis calamitatibus nati.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 14:29
(29) Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina.—Better, Rejoice not thou, Philistia, all of thee; i.e., give not thyself wholly to rejoicing. Here, as in Exodus 15:14, “Palestina” is used, not in the wider meaning with which we are familiar, but specifically as the country of the Philistines. The historical circumstances connected with the “oracle” before us are found in 2 Chronicles 18:18. The Philistines had invaded the low country (Shetphçlah), and the district known as the Negeb, or “south” of Judah, in the reign of Ahaz. He had called in the help of Tiglath-pileser, the Assyrian king, to assist him as against Rezin and Pekah (Isaiah 7), so probably against these new invaders. Sargon (who succeeded Tiglath-pileser, B.C. 723) invaded Ashdod in B.C. 710 (Isaiah 20:1; Records of the Past, vii. 40). Sennacherib records a like attack on Ashkelon and (according to Rawlinson’s interpretation) Ekron (Records of the Past, vii. 61). With these data we are able to enter on the interpretation of Isaiah’s prediction. Because the rod of him that smote thee is broken.—The “rod,” as in Isaiah 10:24, is the power of Tiglath-pileser. The Philistines were exulting in his death, or in that of Ahaz as his ally, as though their peril was past.
They are told that their exultation was premature. Out of the serpent’s root.—The three forms of serpent life (we need not be careful about their identification from the zoologist’s point of view) may represent the three Assyrian kings named above, from whose invasions the Philistines were to suffer. Each form was more terrible than the preceding. The fiery flying serpent (Isaiah 30:6; Numbers 21:6), which represented Sennacherib, was the most formidable of the three. So in Isaiah 27:1, the “piercing serpent,” the “crooked serpent,” and the “dragon” are symbols of the Assyrian power. Some critics, however, led chiefly by the first words of the next verse, find in the three serpents—(1) Ahaz, (2) Hezekiah, (3) the ideal king of Isa 11:1-9.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 14:29
29. whole Palestina] R.V. Philistia, all of thee. On the history of the name “Palestine” see G. A. Smith, Historical Geography, p. 4. “All Philistia” is addressed because the country was broken up into a number of cantons, which might not always be united in political sentiment, as they are at this time. the rod of him that smote thee] Or simply the rod that smote thee, as in R.V. On the reference see introductory note above. a cockatrice] a basilisk (Heb. çepha‘). See on Isaiah 11:8. fiery flying serpent] flying saraph. See on ch. Isaiah 6:2 and cf. Isaiah 30:6.
It is probably a creation of the popular imagination, here used poetically. The sense of the metaphors is obvious: the power from which the Philistines had suffered seems at present to have received a fatal blow, but it will recover itself and assume a more deadly form than ever.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 14:29
Rejoice not thou - Rejoice not at the death of Ahaz, king of Judah. It shall be no advantage to thee. It shall not be the means of making an invasion on Judah more practicable.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 14:29
29. Rejoice not… whole Palestina — Rather, Philistia, a territory in the southwest of Judah, and which the Philistines, a people from Caphtor in the Mediterranean, though of Egyptian origin, had long
Sermons on Isaiah 14:29
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 30:6 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of not losing sight of the true meaning of Christmas amidst the busyness and distractions of the season. He recommends |
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Our God Is a Consuming Fire by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the two categories of people before God: the humble and the proud. God seeks to burn up the pride in our hearts with His consuming fire, removing the haug |
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Preserving the Church From Satan's Agents by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the church's role in resisting Satan's agents, highlighting that true churches, built by Jesus, overpower the gates of hell and must remain vigilant against s |